Need-Based Scholarships

Occidental College need-based scholarships require you to:

• demonstrate financial need
• be enrolled at least half-time
• make satisfactory academic progress 

Need-based scholarships are provided through the generosity of individual donors, private corporations and agencies, alumni gifts, and other resources from the College.

When your need is determined, the Financial Aid Office awards your need-based scholarship from either the general financial aid budget (Need-Based Oxy College Scholarship) or from a specific scholarship fund (i.e. Carstens Endowed Scholarship). These named scholarships are still considered need-based awards and are re-determined on a yearly basis.

During the academic year the College may notify you that your general need-based scholarship comes from a specific donor. This does not mean you have been awarded additional scholarship funds, but that a specific donor has made possible the need-based scholarship you have already received.

If you are awarded a named scholarship, you may be asked to thank the person or organization that provided your support by writing a 'Thank You' letter. We have provided helpful tips about writing 'Thank You' letters to assist you with this process.